Somerville Community Land Trust proposes 50-unit affordable housing project near library

Sommerville City Council has taken significant steps towards enhancing affordable housing and addressing public safety concerns during its recent meeting on February 27, 2025.

The council approved a proposal to develop a 100% affordable residential building on the site of the former A Plus Auto Body shop, located behind the public library. This initiative, spearheaded by the community land trust, aims to construct approximately 50 units on a lot measuring just over a third of an acre. The proposed rezoning from MR3 to MR4, which includes an affordable housing overlay, will increase the development potential from about 30 units to over 50 and allow the building height to rise to seven stories. The developers are expected to take ownership of the land by late summer, paving the way for project design and funding arrangements with state tax-exempt financing and other subsidies.

In addition to housing developments, the council also allocated an additional $125,000 to the Somerville Community Corporation to support the management of its 100 homes program. This funding is crucial for maintaining the city's commitment to affordable housing initiatives.

Public safety was another focal point of the meeting, particularly regarding the bike lane conditions at the intersection of Washington Street and Webster Avenue. Councilor Scott raised concerns about dangerous ice dams that have formed due to inadequate drainage, making the bike lane inaccessible. He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach involving both the mobility division and engineering departments to address these ongoing issues.

Furthermore, the council discussed the enforcement of the vacant property ordinance in light of a recent building collapse at 316 Somerville Avenue. Councilor Scott highlighted that this ordinance, established in 2019, has never been enforced, raising concerns about public safety and the management of vacant properties.

These discussions reflect the council's proactive approach to addressing housing needs and public safety challenges in Somerville, with a clear focus on tangible outcomes that will benefit the community. As these initiatives move forward, residents can expect improvements in both affordable housing availability and public infrastructure safety.